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THE PSNI are investigating claims three Protestant teenagers were the victims of a sectarian attack by a gang of up to 30 youths in Derry city centre last night.
One of the victims was aged 13 and the other two were aged 15.
Police say one of the youths sustained a broken nose in the incident which happened around 10 pm on the cityside of Derry’s Peace Bridge.
The sectarian hate crime attack happened following a row in a shopping centre.
Three male youths were arrested under the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861.
They were taken to Strand Road police station to be quizzed about causing grievous bodily harm and an affray.
The arrested teens – one aged 13 and two aged 14 – have all now been releasing on police bail pending further enquiries.
DUP MLA Gary Middlleton condemned those behind the attack.
He paid tribute to members of the public who, he said, risked their own safety when they intervened in attempt to save the young victims.
Mr Middleton said the families wanted no retaliation.
He said: “The young teenagers had no chance to escape the attack which was perpetrated by 30 youths.
“The victims were beaten up and it is unfortunate to report that one of the victims has suffered a broken nose as a result of the attack.
“It must be stated that there is no place in our society for hate filled activity.
“A culture of fear and intimidation has been created by the perpetrators who preyed on the innocent victims for purely sectarian reasons.
“A clear message has been sent out from the families of the victims stating that they want no acts of retaliation, they are keen to encourage no violent acts or hatred speech as a result of the attack.
“Many people are working hard to make the city a shared space and this has now created fear in young Protestants who have been socialising within the city in what should be a shared environment.
“Praise is due to the passengers of cars who passed the incident and stopped in an attempt to help the victims, risking their own safety for the innocent young men who were under attack.
“Thankfully, some of the perpetrators have been identified and arrests made, hopefully this will discourage anymore of these acts of violence on our streets.
“Incidents like this puts further pressure on local community groups who work hard at encouraging young people to engage in cross community activity.
“The actions of these youths will not stop continued work across the city in securing a better and shared future for our young people.”
SDLP MLA, Pat Ramsey, also condemned those behind the attack.
He called on parents to keep “a special eye” on their children.
Mr Ramsey, who has announced his retirement from politics at the end of this year, said people in the community “know this behaviour is not acceptable and only tarnished the image” of the city.
He added: “My message to those involved in these incidents is clear.Please stop now before a more serious incident occurs and someone is very badly injured.
“Those responsible will be apprehended and already have been identified by the PSNI.
“Finally, and importantly, I make the strongest appeal I can to parents to a keep a special eye and attention on their children.”
PSNI Inspector Tony Moore appealed to anyone who may have witnessed this assault to contact police at Strand Road on the 101 non-emergency number.
Or alternatively they could contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.
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